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[Overcoming therapy resistance in prolactinomas: from perspectives to real clinical practice]
A S Shutova1, E A Pigarova1, L I Lepeshkina2
1Endocrinology Research Centre.
Abstract:
The main treatment option of prolactin-secreting pituitary adenomas is dopamine agonist therapy, which demonstrates prolactin level normalizing and reducing the size of an adenoma in the majority of cases. However, significant amount of patients - about 20% - poorly responds even to high doses of dopamine agonists that is explained by the resistance to therapy. The occurrence of pharmacodynamic characteristics is one of the causes responsible for the development of resistance to typical therapy. Clinical manifestations of persistent hyperprolactinemia are due to following pathological factors: hormonal hypersecretion and the mass-effect of pituitary adenoma. Prevention of irreversible changes is possible only with timely detection of resistance and determination of the optimal personalized treatment algorithm.We report a clinical case of dopamine-agonist resistant microprolactinoma. Patient's health stabilisation, normal level of prolactin and reduction in size of adenoma were achieved due to administration of combined treatment with tamoxifen and dopamine agonists. Hyperprolactinaemia occurring because of prolactin-secreting pituitary adenoma and associated adverse effects are significant problem, decreasing quality of life and demographics in general. This underlines the importance of figuring out causes and identifying predictors of the therapy resistance.The results of the study, illustrated by a clinical example, are presented in the present paper.
Insights
Dopamine agonist therapy is standard for prolactin-secreting pituitary adenomas, but resistance occurs in 20% of patients. Combined treatment with tamoxifen and dopamine agonists effectively managed a resistant microprolactinoma case.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Oncology
Context:
- Prolactin-secreting pituitary adenomas are typically treated with dopamine agonists.
- Approximately 20% of patients exhibit resistance to dopamine agonist therapy, leading to persistent hyperprolactinemia.
Purpose:
- To present a clinical case of dopamine-agonist resistant microprolactinoma.
- To highlight the potential of combined therapy for managing treatment resistance.
Summary:
- A patient with dopamine-agonist resistant microprolactinoma achieved stabilized health, normalized prolactin levels, and reduced adenoma size.
- This was accomplished through a combination of tamoxifen and dopamine agonists.
Impact:
- Effective management of therapy resistance is crucial for preventing irreversible changes and improving patient quality of life.
- Identifying causes and predictors of resistance is important for developing personalized treatment algorithms for hyperprolactinemia.
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